Eight games for Henry

[Kirkendall]

sux - 11 games total for stupid actions - no one was hurt - no one was beat. oh well - He is an idiot. As to the Tab Perry stepping up, well Tab is no Henry(not even sure he is a WR , neither is Benny). Well see if they can step up. I think we will be drafting a wr in the first 4.

At least a bit of closure. No more speculation. Now on to Odell.

Don't forget about Chatman either...

[TJJackson]

The guy I see the door opening up for during Henry's absence is Brazell.

He's smaller, maybe a bit faster, but also showed us the home-run hitting play in preseason last year.

Tab and Chatman will get play because of their special teams talents, and Tab for his versatility on offense

Correct me if I am wrong, but as I understand it, this suspension is different than previous recent suspensions we have seen not only in length but in the fact that it requires reinstatement

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2832015

The relevant bit: "After they serve their suspensions, each player must apply for reinstatement."

As I understand it, 1 year suspensions like Odell's have always required reinstatement, but suspensions for less than a year did not require them.

So as I read this, unless Chris is a virtual silent boy scout up to and including November of this year, he will not be reinstated.....ergo the ban can in essence become a longer ban, potentially even a lifetime ban

Honestly? I don't think he can do it. He seems to have a "I'll do what I want, when I want to, no matter what anyone says" attitude. Ala the driving on the suspended license last week. I don't think he has it in him to follow any rules set for him, no matter what the consequences.

[Kirkendall]

So as I read this, unless Chris is a virtual silent boy scout up to and including November of this year, he will not be reinstated.....ergo the ban can in essence become a longer ban, potentially even a lifetime ban

The players union would say something at that point and would never let something like that happen. To be honest, I'm a little surprised they've played the "in the pocket" role so welcomely.

[fattyjay]

This game makes its money from advertisers and TV broadcast rights. Fans are a very small part of the pie.

Henry and Jones were seen as threats to ever increasing fees from TV and advertisers. Thugs don't sell in the NFL.

So does Goodell take a gamble on these two men and let them play and risk his cash cow or does he get rid of the problem?

Easy call in my mind.

Now do the Bengals look at Henry as a lost cause and draft a WR on day 1? One more infraction and he's banned from the league. Probably just like Odell.

Wow, consider this

Pollack,

Odell,

Henry,

Perry

All may not play in 2007, maybe two will. None has lived even in the same state as their high draft status.

What a waste for the Bengals.

Henry has exceeded his draft status. 15 td in 2 years (less suspended games)

Who do you think the advertisers and TV people are after? If the fans' perception of the league goes down then so does the income from the ads. I don't see why everyone is complaining about the strictness of the penalty for 4 or 5 arrests. How many people were surprised that Odell got suspended for a full year? Chris is only getting 8 games. I don't see how punishmnents for violating the league substance abuse policy should be any different than punishments doled out due to breaking multiple laws. It all boils down to the fact that all of these practices tarnish the image of the league.

Looking at this in a draft perspective, do I think they were worth the risk of drafting? Absolutely. They made the Bengals better immediately after stepping on the field. Am ready to give up on either one? NO! They just need a little more attention off the field than some of the other players. They are both very young and with the right guidance can make a complete turn around.

[WhoDeyForever]

Kind of a steep suspension but Goodell is trying to send a message and I can't blame him for that. Hopefully our other recievers can step it up for the first 8 games. Henry will defintaly be missed.

[James_Brooks21]

The guy I see the door opening up for during Henry's absence is Brazell.

He's smaller, maybe a bit faster, but also showed us the home-run hitting play in preseason last year.

Benny Brazell can not replace Chris Henry, he may be a little faster but he does not have the size and we don't know if he has the hands to replace Chris Henry. The person I look to step up is T.J. and Chad, they are going to have to step up their production for the start of the year. The defense have to step up too none of those lets out score them games, I'm just wondering what was the use of them going to talk to the commisioner he did not give them a reduced sentence.

[Whur CHad At?]

I think Benie might have better hands than Henry. We need someone who doesnt have mental lapses and isnt afriad to get hit

[HoosierCat]

You're right -- but I'm not talking entertainment show. I'm talking, "let's get the media off our ass show". But that's no justification for this pony-show we're seeing out of the NFL commissioner office. I don't know. I just don't believe this will change anything.

If these guys thought about consequences BEFORE acting, then public opinion and the existing rules would deter them.

Well, there ya go. They quite obviously don't...so now you get stuff like this.

As for the "get the media off our ass" show, the reason the media's on them is that they are in (and rely on) the media spotlight to begin with. If Henry worked for the National Widget Manufacturing Corp., no one would likely know or care. But this is the NFL. The current King of Sports.

Like I said on the subject a while ago, is it fair? Of course not. But life isn't fair.

[Kirkendall]

You're right -- but I'm not talking entertainment show. I'm talking, "let's get the media off our ass show". But that's no justification for this pony-show we're seeing out of the NFL commissioner office. I don't know. I just don't believe this will change anything.

If these guys thought about consequences BEFORE acting, then public opinion and the existing rules would deter them.

Well, there ya go. They quite obviously don't...so now you get stuff like this.

As for the "get the media off our ass" show, the reason the media's on them is that they are in (and rely on) the media spotlight to begin with. If Henry worked for the National Widget Manufacturing Corp., no one would likely know or care. But this is the NFL. The current King of Sports.

Like I said on the subject a while ago, is it fair? Of course not. But life isn't fair.

I'm not talking about fairness. I'm talking about the apparent blank check Goodell is using handing down discipline for crimes against humanity. I'm very interested in the player union's reaction. Not that bull, "we're supportive of this decision." Rather, what's the union's perspective in terms of how and why Roger came to this conclusion.

As a side note: WHAT is the conduct policy? Is this some rule like, "actions decremental to the sport"? Obviously there's a template for who can get suspended for what. Surely, they wouldn't just throw suspensions out based on personal preference of a moral ideology. And no, I'm not calling you Surely.

Keep in mind, I'm not defending Henry here. I just don't understand what and where Roger is coming from. Is THIS his solution to curb conduct issues?

[HoosierCat]

Keep in mind, I'm not defending Henry here. I just don't understand what and where Roger is coming from. Is THIS his solution to curb conduct issues?

Looks like it. After all, isn't doing this -- taking away playing time -- the only thing Marvin said would get players' attention?

As for the players' or union's reaction, we'll see. Pacman's lawyer has been spouting off regularly in recent weeks that they were prepared to challenge any suspension.

I don't know that Goodell has a blank check, but the Commish has always had broad disciplinary powers, they have just been (for the most part) unused. The message I get out of his statement about the two is that Pacman and Henry are getting this rare shafting for racking up multiple offenses over a short period of time, and thus being two of the main reasons this whole "off-field issues" issue arose in the first place.

[GregCook]

How can anyone have a misunderstanding about these punishments? The NFL has decided that two knuckleheads won't be allowed to threaten the cash flow of the game. The message is being sent that players who are sociopaths won't be protected by their unions, their grandmas or their teams. I'm sure someone will sue to prevent it. They will definitely lose, assuming they can find a court that is interested.

Now I wonder what punishment Roger has in mind for Joesph? Conceivably the Bengals could start the 2007 season without their first round picks from 2004, 2005 & 2006.

Keep in mind, I'm not defending Henry here. I just don't understand what and where Roger is coming from. Is THIS his solution to curb conduct issues?

Looks like it. After all, isn't doing this -- taking away playing time -- the only thing Marvin said would get players' attention?

As for the players' or union's reaction, we'll see. Pacman's lawyer has been spouting off regularly in recent weeks that they were prepared to challenge any suspension.

I don't know that Goodell has a blank check, but the Commish has always had broad disciplinary powers, they have just been (for the most part) unused. The message I get out of his statement about the two is that Pacman and Henry are getting this rare shafting for racking up multiple offenses over a short period of time, and thus being two of the main reasons this whole "off-field issues" issue arose in the first place.

[Sundance_Kid]

Did anyone watch Tab's interview in the locker room when OTA's started?

He is extremely dedicated, and WANTS to study and become a better player. I think he is exactly what this team needs, and if he is as serious at putting in the time, as his interview shows... I think he'll be great.

I hope he absolutely dominates!

Screw Henry...

[Stripes]

Henry should have been suspended longer than Adam Jones if anything, but the media didn't dictate such. Henry isn't as infamous.

[membengal]

It is what it is. Now they can move on.

[markymark69]

Probably fair. I do not like the fact that this is retroactive. He served the suspension for most of these crimes last year. I understand and applaud the fact that the commissioner is trying to nip this non-sense in the bud. Hopefully, Chris will get his life straightened out and turn out to be a special receiver in this league.

[Kazkal]

Welll hopfully he learns from this because 1 more screw up and he's gone for sure.

[HoosierCat]

Some details on the new policy for ya, kirk..

http://www.nfl.com/news/story/10119182

[Kirkendall]

Some details on the new policy for ya, kirk..

http://www.nfl.com/news/story/10119182

Thanks.

The standard of socially responsible conduct for NFL employees will be higher. Club and league employees will be held to a higher standard than players. Conduct that undermines or puts at risk the integrity and reputation of the NFL will be subject to discipline, even if not criminal in nature.

What does that mean?

[GregCook]

About Joesph, he's waiting for Goodell to. Did JJ do a no contest or did he plead guilty to the pot charge? Are there any other Bengals awaiting trial?

The Bengals might start the season without their Nbr1 picks from 2004, 2005 & 2006. Definitely bad luck for the Bengals.

For 2004, the Bengals second pick was Keiwan. For 2005, it was Odell. Neither have offered much. Of course for 2005, they don't have anything to show for their entire first day draft.

Never get into the Super Bowl without playing the first day draft picks.

[HoosierCat]

The standard of socially responsible conduct for NFL employees will be higher. Club and league employees will be held to a higher standard than players. Conduct that undermines or puts at risk the integrity and reputation of the NFL will be subject to discipline, even if not criminal in nature.

What does that mean?

That driving through the drive-thru naked is right out

[agreen_112]

F$%kin Bu$%sh@t!!! If I was Henry I would challenge the judgement immediately. There was no set policy that was in place at the time of these "repeat offenses" and he shouldn't be punished accordingly to the new ruling. WTF ever??? Goodell your time won't run long as commisioner.

[The PatternMaster]

Henry has no one to blame but himself, if he could stay out of the back of cop cars everyone would be talking about him taking TJ's spot instead of him getting suspended.

As for the new policy it seems as if there is alot of gray area which is good for Goodell but not the players.

As for the NFLPA, they are on board with these suspensions and they probably won't appeal them. The players realize that the NFL is the hottest thing going right now and they are worried about the foolish actions of a few messing up a good thing for everyone, can't say I disagree. Every year somebody is getting a record setting deal, hell Eric Steinbach got 50 million to play guard, even 10 years ago that was unheard of. The way the NFL is going the salaries are going up and up, the players realize this and they don't want anything to stop that trend. It's a bit self-policing, besides Jones and Henry earned these suspensions.

[TJJackson]

F$%kin Bu$%sh@t!!! If I was Henry.....

If you were Henry (and given your incoherent ramblings here, you may well be) you'd load up your pimped out "SLIM15" ride with underage hookers and cheap booze and drive on your suspended license out to Goodell's house just to wave your "gat" at him in the presence of armed police. After all, you are a mayjah gangstah, righteous, and the man can't hold you down, even when he pays your half million dollar a year salary. Unfortunately, you'd be such a babbling moron that you'd fail to use your right turn signal as you got into his neighborhood, and you'd be hauled in, photographed, printed, booked, and -- let us not forget - laughed at (again)

[cincy9275]

henry is a jackass and has been in trouble since his college days and probably way before that. cut his retarded ass now! this is year 3 we have been dealing with his dumbass. the only problem i have is that we have to put up with him as a team and fans he has done nothing but embarrass himself the team and fans he has had plenty of chances to right the ship and he never does so why should he even be part of this team. i think he will get his ass banned for life before he is reinstated.

[mjm47]

At this point, there's really nothing to be gained from rehearsing our normative beliefs. Some people care that football players get arrested, others don't. Certainly, I wasn't consulted regarding the new conduct policy nor the arbitrary enforcement of the old policy, and my guess is that no board members were either.

What matters is whether Tab Perry/Antonio Chatman/Glenn Holt/whoever can fill in well enough that we don't lose games due to Henry's absence.